Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret collected their baggage from the castle then waited at its main gate with the men-at-arms. Having gathered up their things from the cathedral, Canon Hubert and Brother Simon joined the rest of their party. Everybody was anxious to be on the way, but Ralph would not budge. He held them all back.
“Why this delay, my lord?” complained Hubert.
“Be patient, man.”
“We should be on the road to make best use of daylight.”
“Then ride off on your own,” said Ralph, testily. “I will catch you up in no time at all.”
“What keeps you here?”
“My own affairs.”
“Come,” said Gervase, taking charge. “We’ll set forth. Our presence here intrudes upon Ralph’s wishes.”
The cavalcade moved off with Canon Hubert in the lead, his chubby legs urging his donkey forward. He took a last look at the cathedral over his shoulder and quivered at the memory of the little archdeacon whose florid argument had set them all by the ears. Winchester would be a safer haven. Even Idwal could not claim that city as part of Wales.
Left alone at the gate, Ralph Delchard waited with growing irritation. He had sent word to Castle Street and expected a swift response.
None came. A bargain which had been struck in the long reaches of the night was being repudiated. Irritation was supplanted by doubt.
Did he make too great a demand on her? Had he taken Golde for granted? Was she having second thoughts in the light of day?
He waited until the uncertainty could be borne no longer. His horse took him to the house within a minute. Ralph wanted to hammer on the door, but his knock was instead timid. It was Aelgar who answered his summons.
“Good day, my lord,” she said.
“Is your sister within?”
“No. Golde went out some time ago.”
“To the brewhouse?”
“Into the city. I do not know where.”
“Did she not leave a message for me?”
“None, my lord.” Aelgar smiled. “But I must thank you for the message which you kindly sent me.”
“Oh, yes,” he said absently. “The terms of Warnod’s will were upheld.
You will inherit all his land in Archenfield.”
“This has saved my life. Golde was so happy for me.”
“Did she speak of no happiness for herself?”
The girl grew embarrassed. Wanting to offer him good news, she could only distress him with bad tidings. Golde had left the house without explanation.
She had not come to Ralph. What further upset him was the like-ness between the two sisters. As Ralph looked at the beautiful Aelgar, he saw a younger version of Golde. His sense of loss was acute.
“I wish you good day,” he said.
“God speed, my lord!”
Ralph did not look back. His horse trotted along the streets until it came to the city gate. He went through it and quickened the animal’s pace to a canter. When it came to the moment of decision, Golde would not surrender her independence. A night in his arms had been merely a token of her affection. He had been foolish to build so much hope on it.
The others would be a mile or more ahead of him now. He was about to spur his horse into a gallop when he saw her. Golde was waiting beneath an apple tree beside the road. Dressed for travelling, she sat astride her palfrey. A packhorse was loaded with her belongings.
Ralph was overjoyed. He cantered to her and reined in his horse.
Golde gave him a welcoming smile. He put an arm around her waist.
The kiss she offered him was frank and uninhibited. It made him feel ashamed of his doubts about her.
“Your sister said that you left the house.”
“I have.”
“Did you not tell her where you were going?”
“I had no time.”
“But Aelgar will wonder what has become of you.”
“No, Ralph,” she said. “My sister does not need me now. She is well provided for. I may ride away with a clear conscience.” Golde gave him another kiss. “She will understand.”